Birding Beyond the Birds

Birding Beyond the Birds – A Humorous Look at Birders, Their Passion, and the Wonders of South Africa’s Avifauna with John Kinghorn, BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project Manager.

Date: 29 October 2024 

Time: 18h00 

Venue: Inside Out Centre for the Arts

Event Details: As bird lovers, we know there’s something magical about stepping outside and listening to the symphony of bird songs, whether in the heart of the bushveld or in the bustling suburbs of Johannesburg. South Africa, home to over 880 bird species, holds nearly 8% of the world’s bird diversity, offering unique avifauna experiences. But it’s not just the birds that fascinate—it’s also the birders who pursue them.

Join John Kinghorn, BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project Manager, as he shares humorous insights into the quirks of birders and the lengths they go for their next lifer. Birding, after all, is more than a hobby—it’s a passion, sometimes an obsession, and for many, a way of life.

About the Speaker: John Kinghorn, raised in a conservation-focused family, has a lifelong passion for nature. After qualifying as a specialist bird guide, he embarked on a gap year to document 800+ species in southern Africa. Although he later pursued an LLB degree and practised law, John returned to his conservation roots. He led global birding tours, consulted on avifaunal conservation, and hosted the “Wild Earth” channel before taking up the role of Avitourism Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa.

Run of Show: 

18h00: Doors Open 

18h30: Talk and Presentation by John Kinghorn 

19h30: Q&A Session

Tickets: R200 Limited seats available, so book early!